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The problem here isn't so much with what processed food puts into our bodies -- it's what it keeps our bodies from eliminating. High frutcose corn syrup can cause mineral deficiencies, which in turn can prevent our bodies for getting rid of toxic chemicals in our systems.

Processed food leading to autism is a very complex chain of events, as researcher David Wallinga explains. "If you've got enough calcium in your diet, it's going to protect you from absorbing lead,
and concurrently, if you are calcium-deficient, then you're going to
absorb more lead in your gut, and therefore have more lead in your
bloodstream." Toxins in the environment also play a role here. The
researchers recommend a diet high in antioxidants and necessary minerals for pregnant women.

It's one thing to think about the harm processed foods do to our own
bodies and weigh whether or not we want to take the risk. But when our
eating habits can effect our unborn children -- what then?

I guess it shouldn't be too shocking that HFCS and other processed
foods are (GASP!) bad for us and for our babies. But learning exactly
why they're harmful is surprising. Now we know -- if you're expecting,
it would be sad to cancel out all the good of those helpful prenatal
vitamin supplements with junk food snacks.

I don't know about this...not sure to be honest...I know that my son's Autism didn't come from *any* of these things...his Autism is due to the fact that he has Brain Abnormalities/Damage and neurological issues.

I can possibly believe there is a link maybe in some cases, because of all the preservatives and junk in these products (same as preservatives and junk in vaccines), but I don't think I believe it is the sole cause.

Honestly, I'm skeptical. Not because I don't recognize that processed foods are problematic, but because I think this type of headline puts so much emphasis on one thing. Cut out the processed food and WHAM! no more autism.

I've worked with scores of kids with autism and some of them were exposed to processed food from the moment of conception and others lived a very healthy, almost organic lifestyle.

I think that avoiding processed foods may help to manage kids with autism, but autism is caused by "faulty wiring" in the nuerological system. The processed food theory also doesn't explain why some people can eat processed food without any sign of autism. If some people are more sensitive to processed food, then there's a reason WHY they are more sensitive and that reason may be a more direct link to what causes autism.

Honestly, I'm skeptical. Not because I don't recognize that processed foods are problematic, but because I think this type of headline puts so much emphasis on one thing. Cut out the processed food and WHAM! no more autism.

I've worked with scores of kids with autism and some of them were exposed to processed food from the moment of conception and others lived a very healthy, almost organic lifestyle.

I think that avoiding processed foods may help to manage kids with autism, but autism is caused by "faulty wiring" in the nuerological system. The processed food theory also doesn't explain why some people can eat processed food without any sign of autism. If some people are more sensitive to processed food, then there's a reason WHY they are more sensitive and that reason may be a more direct link to what causes autism.

I think processed foods are crap and it makes me furious that all these other countries are banning it from their food supply (even *gasp* China is getting onboard too). But here in the US we haven't and continue to not find significant damage being done to ban. Mainly b/c it makes these companies so much more $$ to use crap then having to use the real food to color.

This all said, I truly feel autism, tourettes, ocd and other neuro disorders are impacted by food. Does it cause them; it definitely makes them worse!

Bottom line, it is not just crappy food that triggers autism, but it does play a role. I think it also leads to obesity, cancers, and other diseases which can also impact the growing child. It can cause the child to be more prone to these neuro dysfunctions. IMO!!!

No foods with HFCS allowed in my house! However, that there is a link between junk/processed foods and Autism doesn't make sense to me. We watch what we eat, read labels, etc., because we try to maintain healthier diets. Childhood obesity has increased 250% since 1974 which is when they started putting HFCS into soda and eventually everything else.

Honestly, I'm skeptical. Not because I don't recognize that processed foods are problematic, but because I think this type of headline puts so much emphasis on one thing. Cut out the processed food and WHAM! no more autism.

I've worked with scores of kids with autism and some of them were exposed to processed food from the moment of conception and others lived a very healthy, almost organic lifestyle.

I think that avoiding processed foods may help to manage kids with autism, but autism is caused by "faulty wiring" in the nuerological system. The processed food theory also doesn't explain why some people can eat processed food without any sign of autism. If some people are more sensitive to processed food, then there's a reason WHY they are more sensitive and that reason may be a more direct link to what causes autism.

don't surprise me-may be individualized-for example I have seizures and I can not eat anything with soy, msg, aspartame (which is a lot of prcessed foods-with soy and msg) or I can have seizures but not everyon is like that with seizures-other people eat it and our fine--so I think even with autism it depends on the individual

Agreed. I get very angry about this too. The FDA seems to be out to help corporations instead of people and it SUCKS...
That being said, people need to start educating themselves and making choices that are good for them, not just assuming that if it's on a store shelf it should be consumed!

As far as it causing autism- I have no clue. I'm sure it can perpetrate behaviors and problems in all children. I know that my 5 year old turns into a whiney grump when he is allowed to have too much sugar.

Quoting vermontmoms:

I think processed foods are crap and it makes me furious that all these other countries are banning it from their food supply (even *gasp* China is getting onboard too). But here in the US we haven't and continue to not find significant damage being done to ban. Mainly b/c it makes these companies so much more $$ to use crap then having to use the real food to color.

This all said, I truly feel autism, tourettes, ocd and other neuro disorders are impacted by food. Does it cause them; it definitely makes them worse!

Bottom line, it is not just crappy food that triggers autism, but it does play a role. I think it also leads to obesity, cancers, and other diseases which can also impact the growing child. It can cause the child to be more prone to these neuro dysfunctions. IMO!!!

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